International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 211-218 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 212 2 Overview of Common Diseases in Goats Goats, as vital livestock, face numerous health challenges that can impact their productivity and welfare. Understanding the common diseases affecting goats is crucial for developing effective management and breeding strategies to enhance disease resistance. 2.1 Infectious diseases: causes and impact Infectious diseases in goats, such as pneumonia and caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), pose significant threats to goat health and productivity. Pneumonia, a prevalent issue in small ruminants, is influenced by genetic factors, with specific genes like SLC11A1 and TLRs being associated with susceptibility or resistance (Ateya et al., 2023). CAE, caused by a retrovirus, lacks effective vaccines, making genetic selection a viable strategy for resistance. Studies have shown considerable genetic variability in CAE resistance, suggesting that selective breeding could reduce its prevalence (Schultz et al., 2020). These diseases not only affect the health of goats but also have economic implications for farmers due to decreased productivity and increased veterinary costs. 2.2 Parasitic infections and management strategies Parasitic infections, particularly gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), are a major constraint in goat production. Genetic selection for resistance to GIN is a promising sustainable control strategy. Research has identified genomic variants in Creole goats that distinguish resistant from susceptible genotypes, with significant pathways like the T cell receptor signaling pathway being involved (Aboshady et al., 2021). Additionally, resistance to Haemonchus contortus, a common nematode, is linked to genetic variations in genes such as CD1D and IL12A, which are under selection in goats (Estrada-Reyes et al., 2019). These findings highlight the potential of using genetic markers in breeding programs to enhance resistance to parasitic infections. 2.3 Non-infectious diseases and their genetic components Non-infectious diseases in goats, such as those related to genetic predispositions, also impact goat health. For instance, genetic resistance to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) like scrapie has been explored, with specific alleles in the PRNP gene conferring resistance (Figure 1) (Ricci et al., 2017). Moreover, genetic studies have identified loci associated with disease resistance traits, such as the IL-33 gene, which is linked to increased nematode resistance (Asif et al., 2017). These genetic components provide valuable insights into breeding strategies aimed at improving overall goat health and resilience. In summary, understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance in goats offers promising avenues for improving goat health through selective breeding. By focusing on both infectious and non-infectious diseases, breeders can develop more resilient goat populations, ultimately enhancing productivity and reducing economic losses. Figure 1 Scale of the weight of evidence on genetic resistance of the caprine and ovine PRNPgenes (Adopted from Ricci et al., 2017)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==